YOUNG musicians and their professional counterparts will join forces next month at Malvern Theatres.

The third annual ESO Side by Side Project combines members of the full English Symphony Orchestra with members of the English Symphony Youth Orchestra. The younger and more experienced sit side by side, in order to give upcoming student musicians an insight into a professional orchestra at work.

The final concert on Saturday, April 6, is the culmination of a five-day intensive course, during which the 102-strong orchestra will work on a programme centred around Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring and Berlioz's Harold in Italy. Rehearsals will involve both full orchestra practices and sectional tuition under the expert eyes of full ESO members.

Young musicians have previously attended the course from across the UK, staying at the Malvern Youth Hostel for the duration of the residential course. As well as studying hard, the course is designed to be fun as well, with various activities organised for in between rehearsals.

William Boughton, artistic/musical director of the ESO, said that the advantages for the youngsters in taking part in the project were numerous.

"The only people that do this sort of project at the moment are conservertoires, so for students still at school I think it's the only one in the country," he said.

Mr Boughton said that the members of the full orchestra also relished the opportunity to work with younger musicians.

"It's putting something back into the community and giving to the next generation. It's nice to sit next to young enthusiastic people."

The concert will feature the ESO's principal violist Helen Roberts playing the solo part in Harold in Italy and begins at 7.30pm at the Forum Theatre. Tickets start at £8, available from the box office on 01684 892277.